Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing grassroots democracy in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). In a series of interviews and statements, Dr Singh highlighted the historic transformation in J&K following the abrogation of Article 370.
True Local Self-Governance Finally Realized
Dr Singh emphasized that true local self-government always eluded J&K, despite the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments bringing local self-governance in the rest of India. He stated that the people of J&K were denied these rights under the guise of special status provided by Article 370 and 35A.
Ironically, pointed out Dr Singh, the regional political parties which claimed to be champions of “self-rule” or “autonomy” made sure that the same was denied to the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Dr Jitendra Singh expressed confidence in the success of upcoming elections in J&K, the first to be conducted in a decade, noting a strong wave of enthusiasm among the citizens. He highlighted that the vibrant democracy of the region is ready to bloom again post-abrogation, as demonstrated by the high voter turnouts in recent elections, including the Lok Sabha polls, where voter participation in J&K nearly matched the national average of 60%.
Equitable Development Across Regions
Dr Singh stated that in the last few years, not only has J&K been on the fast track of development, but a conscious effort has been made to ensure equitable development in every region. He emphasized that the passion and intensity with which Prime Minister Modi has worked towards this goal is borne out by the fact that in order to ensure the elections of Panchayats in J&K, the Prime Minister not only demonstrated an uncompromising determination but later also made history by holding the first-ever District Development Council election in the region.
Dr Jitendra Singh firmly dismissed opposition parties’ attempts to create a false narrative about the restoration of Article 370, stating that these efforts are hollow rhetoric that no longer resonate with the people of J&K. He asserted that the people of J&K have seen through these age-old tricks of changing the name of alliances and making empty promises, which no longer work with the new generation of voters.
Dr Singh stated that Prime Minister Modi completed the unfinished task of integrating J&K fully into the Indian Union. He said the abrogation of Article 370 has brought citizenship rights to those who were deprived of them for seven decades and set the stage for J&K to emerge as a torchbearer of India’s growth story. He added that in the years to come, J&K will emerge as a beacon of transformation for the entire country.